After reviewing the autopsy of Halyna Hutchins and reviewing the reports of law enforcement agencies from the October incident, Alec Baldwin’s “Rust” set shooting was determined to be an accident by New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Inspector.
Monday’s medical investigator’s report was released by Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. It also includes FBI records relating to the ammunition and weapon used on the scene following the shooting. Baldwin’s lawyers call the shooting a tragic accident, but it is not clear if he will face criminal charges.
“The medical examiner’s report, which concluded that this was a tragic accident, is the critical one. New Mexico authorities found Alec Baldwin did not have any authority or knowledge about the unsafe conditions. Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas said that Baldwin was informed by the safety officer that the gun was cold and that the gun was safe.
Hutchins, a cinematographer, was killed by a live round of ammunition. Joel Souza, the director, was also injured in an incident that occurred during rehearsals on October 21, 2021. The filming of “Rust,” a Western, took place on a ranch near Santa Fe. They had previously been filming in a small church.
Nikas said that the FBI report was being misinterpreted. Nikas said that the gun only fired once during testing, and it did not have to be pulled. The gun then broke in two places after the hammer was pulled back. Because the gun was in such bad condition, the FBI could not fire it in any previous test.
We were informed by Hannah Gutierrez Reed, a representative of “Rust” armorer: “The FBI reports have shown that the revolver is in good condition and that Baldwin must have pulled the trigger to fire it. This directly contradicts his previous statements and those made by Assistant Director Halls through his attorney who also stated that Baldwin did not pull the trigger.”
“The New Mexico Environmental Department’s (OSHA’s) latest complaint highlights serious failures of Production on the Rust Set which would have prevented this tragic filming.”
Baldwin told investigators that he didn’t know Hutchins was going to die when the gun went off. He was then shocked to discover that he was holding a gun with live ammunition. Baldwin, who was also a producer, said that the gun should be empty for rehearsals without filming.
The statement said that “These new filings show various production members’ attempts to avoid responsibility and make Hannah, a 24-year-old armorer, responsible for this tragedy.” “Hannah was assigned to perform two tasks, including that of props assistant and as an armorer. However, she was not given the time or training required for this job despite repeated requests and respect for the armorer’s position.
Baldwin was the one who refused Hannah’s request to train in a cross draw. This would have included never touching the trigger during the cross draw, and never pointing at anyone. Recall that Hannah asked for permission to call back the Church to operate or handle a firearm in order to fulfill her armorer inspection duties and safety duties. However, neither Baldwin, Halls, nor any other production personnel called Hannah into Church to complete her armorer duties. This would also have prevented the terrible tragedy.
According to Mary Carmack-Altwies, District Attorney Mary Carmack–Altwies, the prosecution has not decided whether any charges will be brought in this case. They are still reviewing Baldwin’s cell phone as of Aug. 3.
In a December interview with ABC News, Baldwin stated that he was pointing his gun at Hutchins as she instructed him on the set for the Western film “Rust.” It went off after Baldwin cocked the trigger. Baldwin said that he didn’t pull the trigger.
Baldwin said, “I am very hopeful that when the facts are out we won’t be held criminally liable. But it has changed my entire life.” Baldwin spoke out during a March interview at the Boulder International Film Festival. Baldwin explained that he didn’t mean it in the usual sense that he was involved in an incident or someone died. Baldwin said that he was in a situation where somebody was killed. It has changed my life in the way that weapons are used in television and films.
The FBI examined the revolver Baldwin held during rehearsal and found that it was in good working order. It would have not fired unless it was properly cocked and the trigger pulled.
